Fashion trends may come and go, but there is one timeless trend that never goes out of style: vintage. For years, classic vintage fashions have been all the rage, but recently, these classic looks have made a huge comeback on the fashion scene. From bold colors and daring silhouettes to classic cuts and timeless patterns, vintage fashion is ruling the runway and the red carpets alike. Read on to learn how to incorporate some vintage trends into your look!

1. A Brief History of Vintage Fashion

Vintage fashion has a long and interesting history, full of twists and turns and unexpected Oscars night appearances. From the sustainable sensibilities of second-hand clothing to the fabrics and designs seen in the celebrated couture collections of Gucci, Dior and Chanel, vintage fashion is a multi-faceted subculture.

Beginning with the aftermath of the French revolution in 1789, vintage fashion has had an ever-changing set of trends, which have been defined by qualities of elegance, luxury, and fashion-consciousness. In the late 19th century, the industrial revolution made it easier to produce clothing, offering the middle classes the chance to wear clothing similar to upper classes.

In more recent years, the 1970s ushered in a new era of vintage inspired fashion. The emergence of trends such as punk, New Wave and all-black clothing, combined with the rise of second-hand stores and the movements of thrift shoppers created a vibrant subculture based around vintage fashion.

Today, vintage fashion is appreciated by people of all ages and backgrounds, uniting the culture of sustainable fashion with a love for beautiful fabrics and garments. Over the past few decades, vintage fashion has become a staple part of fashion weeks and trend-setting publications, proving that it’s a unique and constantly evolving part of the fashion world.

• 1789: The aftermath of the French Revolution sets the tone for vintage fashion
• Late 19th century: Industrial revolution made clothing production easier
• 1970s: Punk, New Wave and second-hand thrift stores become popular
• Present: Vintage fashion is a staple part of the fashion world

2. Taking Cues from the Greats: Retrospective Styles

When thinking about fashion, looking backward can be the fuel to inspire the next big style. By studying classic icons of the past and their iconic style choices, modern fashionistas get to borrow a little something from the greats. The fallen feathers of trail-blazing icons are the perfect creative push forward.

Retrofuturistic styles feature a mix of both traditional fashion moments with futuristic flair. There’s something extra magical about this mix that has designers constantly revisiting the idea to make something new and exciting for the modern consumer.

The greatest compliment fashion designers can have is when their current style is retroactively appreciated and adopted into modern trends. It’s the ultimate proof that the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s reign true in style potential today.

• 80s – Bright colors, bold looks, and shoulder pads were a common sight. The shimmer and shine of glam 80s fashion is never far away from the industry.
• 70s – Disco pants, flared trousers, and jumpsuits all found their way into everyday wardrobe after stealing the show in the 70s.
• 60s – Mini-skirts, polka dot prints, and bohemian crochet pieces continue to live in the limelight.
• 50s – Similar to today’s popular ‘pin-up’ look, classic 50s style is always in rotation.

Giving back to the past can help the future of fashion look its best. Instead of saying goodbye to iconic style moments, they should be celebrated and integrated into new looks. Taking cues from the greats is more than just a retrospective twist. It’s a ritual of respect.

3. Making a Statement: How to Rock Vintage Trends

If you’ve ever wanted to pay homage to a bygone era, you’ve come to the right place! Making a statement with stylish vintage outfits is an excellent way to show off your individual fashion sense. Here are a few tips to rock vintage trends:

Do Your Research

Get to know the style of the decade or era you’re trying to emulate. Knowing the iconic trends of the time such as the floral prints and short pencil skirts of the 1950s or the bright-colored jumpsuits of the 1980s, will help you find the right selection at the store. You can also check out vintage stores to borrow or repurpose unique items that nobody else has.

Tone Down with Neutral Colors and Modern Staples

Dressing in vintage doesn’t mean heading out in head-to-toe retro. You can modernize an outfit by adding simple pieces with classic silhouettes to create a stylish contemporary ensemble. Easily incorporate neutral colors like beige, grey, navy and black, which will work with prints from any era. You can also try to shorten long skirts and sleeves to fit the modern day fashionista’s style!

Mix and Match

Ideally, you want to create something that could be worn both in the past and present. To achieve this, focus on mixing patterns, shapes and fabrics to make an eclectic yet modern outfit. Try pairing a rayon dress today with lace-up booties and a faux fur vest. Or consider pairing a vintage print like stripes or floral with a chambray shirt, a pair of jeans and vans.

4. The Revival of Vintage: The Future of Fashion

Vintage fashion has a certain charm, and today’s fashion trends have embraced that charm in many ways. The fashion-forward are bringing the classic silhouettes of yesteryear to the modern day by blending the old and the new together.

• Vintage prints, colors, and textures are being used to great effect in modern garments, bringing old-style glamour to a modern audience.
• High-waisted trousers, flared jeans, pinafore dresses, and mid-calf skirts are just some of the retro styles that are being prominently featured on runways around the world.
• Sustainability is also playing an important role in the revival of vintage fashion, with many brands now sourcing vintage materials to use in their modern designs.

Revived vintage pieces have also been seen on the streets, providing inspiration for new fashionistas who are eager to adopt classic style for their own. This modernized approach to vintage fashion has a unique appeal that resonates with many, leading to a resurgence of interest in all things retro.

The future of fashion is as much about revival as it is about innovation, and vintage-inspired pieces are here to stay. With the help of new technologies making vintage pieces more accessible, and more people embracing classic style, vintage fashion is likely to gain even more momentum in the years to come.

As vintage fashion trends continue to rise in popularity, it’s clear that the fascination with classic style isn’t going to fade anytime soon. From vintage prints to designer throwbacks, old-fashioned looks are once again finding their place in the modern world—proving that fashion never truly goes out of style.